Page 150 of The Black Flamingo

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and plainly spoken

I don’t feel so worthy of attention.

I have it all here,

laid out on my bed,

wig and makeup,

leotard and tutu,

tights and heels,

feathers, faux fur,

but I’m not ready

to put it all on yet,

I’m not sure what

I’m putting it on for,

I’m still not sure exactly

what I’m trying to say.

Drag Soc’s show is tomorrow

and I’ve invited Mzz B round

to my flat to see my act in full.

I wanted to be ready before

they got here but I’m not

happy with my makeup,

I’ve put it on and taken it off

three times. I know it’s not

the most important thing.

I imagined opening the door

looking perfect, in character

being shady and charming

and confident and fierce,

but right now I’m a wreck.

My desk is covered in makeup

and wipes with the brown,

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